Dandelion Jelly - Easy Flower Jelly Recipe with Less Sugar (2024)

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This easy dandelion jelly recipe uses less sugar than most flower jelly recipes, creating a light and delicious jelly.

Dandelion Jelly - Easy Flower Jelly Recipe with Less Sugar (1)

To make your dandelion jelly, you'll need dandelion blossoms, water, lemon juice, sugar, Pomona's Pectin and calcium water. (Calcium water is included in every box of Pomona's Pectin).

I like this recipe because it has no artificial food coloring and much less sugar than most dandelion jelly recipes.

What Does Dandelion Jelly Taste Like?

Full sugar dandelion jelly tastes like honey. This low sugar version is light and lemony. It's good enough to eat straight out of the jar. (Confession – I did eat about a quarter of a jar.)

This recipe yields a fairly firm jelly. If you would like a softer spread, reduce the calcium water and pectin powder to 3 teaspoons each.

This recipe is adapted from the book “Preserving with Pomona's Pectin“. You canbuy Pomona's Pectin online, or you may be able to find it in local stores that carry canning supplies. One box of pectin makes several batches of jam.

What is Calcium Water?

Calcium water is made with a packet of white calcium powder included in every box of Pomona's Pectin.

To make calcium water: Combine 1/2 teaspoon (1.5 g) of calcium powder with 1/2 cup (120 ml) water in a small jar with a lid.

This makes enough calcium water for several batches of jelly or jam.

Store your leftover calcium water in the refrigerator, and it will keep for several months. Always stir before using.

You can see how to use calcium water in the video with the recipe. (If the video doesn't display, make sure you don't have an ad blocker running.)

Collecting and Cleaning Flowers for your Dandelion Jelly Recipe

For this recipe, you need 4 cups (230 g) of loosely packed yellow petals. Visit Weekly Weeder #17 for help identifying dandelions, if needed.

It's best to gather your dandelion flowers in late morning, after the dew has cleared. Always harvest from a clean area that has not been sprayed with pesticides or herbicides for at least three years. Avoid areas used for passing waste by pets and/or livestock.

Look for clean blossoms that are completely open. Once you pick your flower heads, try to remove the petals promptly. If you leave the flowers sitting around, they close, and the petals are difficult to remove.

Your finished flower petals should look like those in the photo below. If you have too many green parts, it makes the dandelion jelly bitter.

Dandelion Jelly - Easy Flower Jelly Recipe with Less Sugar (2)

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Dandelion Jelly with Less Sugar

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A light and delicious dandelion jelly, made with dandelion blossoms, water, lemon juice, sugar, Pomona's Pectin and calcium water. I like this recipe because it uses only one fourth as much sugar of most dandelion jelly recipes and no artificial color.

  • Author: Laurie Neverman
  • Prep Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 45 8 ounce jars 1x
  • Category: Jelly
  • Method: Canning
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

UnitsScale

  • 4 cups (230 g) loosely packed, very fresh dandelion flower heads
  • 4 1/4 cups (1 L) medium-hot water
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) bottled lemon juice
  • 4 1/4 teaspoons (21.3 ml) calcium water (included with Pomona's Pectin, see note below)
  • 1 cup (200 g) sugar
  • 4 1/4 teaspoons (12.8 g) Pomona's Pectin Powder

Instructions

  1. Prep your water bath canner, clean jars and two piece canning lids. Sterilize your jars.
  2. Remove the yellow flower petals from the green flower base. Try to avoid getting green bits in with the yellow petals, as they can make your jelly bitter. Compost the green parts of the flower heads.
  3. Make a “dandelion tea” by placing the flower petals in a heat-resistant bowl and covering them with the hot water. Place a cover over your bowl, and allow the petals to steep for 20-30 minutes. Don't steep the petals longer, or cook them. Either option will make your tea (and jelly) darker and more green in color.
  4. Strain out the flower petals with a fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth or flour sack towel. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Compost the flower petals and save the dandelion tea for the next step.
  5. Measure 4 cups (946 ml) of dandelion tea into a stockpot. (Add a little extra water if needed.) Add lemon juice and calcium water to the pot and mix well.
  6. In a separate bowl, combine sugar and pectin. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
  7. Bring flower water mixture to a full boil over high heat. Slowly add in pectin-sugar mix, stirring constantly. Continue stirring to dissolve pectin, and bring jelly back up to a full boil. Once a full boil is reached, turn off the heat.
  8. Ladle finished dandelion jelly into warm jars, leaving 1/4 inch (6 mm) of headspace. Wipe rims with a damp cloth. Cover jars with two piece lids and tighten finger tight. Place jars in canner with at least 1-2 inches of water covering the jars. Process jars for 10 minutes at a rolling boil. Turn off canner and allow to rest for a few minutes. Remove jars and place on a kitchen towel on the counter. Allow jars to cool completely, undisturbed, for 12 to 24 hours. Remove rings and check seals. Date and label jars and store in a cool, dry location, out of direct sunlight.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 tablespoon

Note: The color variation in the photos is due to different lighting. The finished jelly is a light, creamy yellow color.

Dandelion Jelly - Easy Flower Jelly Recipe with Less Sugar (4)

More Flower Jelly Recipes

We have over 20 different jam, jelly and spread recipes on the site, including the following flower jellies:

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  • Violet Jelly
  • Queen Anne’s Lace Jelly with Currants – You Won’t Believe the Flavor

More Dandelion Information

  • Harvesting and Using Dandelion Roots
  • How to Make Dandelion Wine
  • Stop the Dandelion Madness! Making Peace with Dandelions and Bees
  • Dandelion Wine Fruitcake – Fruitcake That Actually Tastes Good!
Dandelion Jelly - Easy Flower Jelly Recipe with Less Sugar (5)

Originally published in 2018, last updated in 2020.

Dandelion Jelly - Easy Flower Jelly Recipe with Less Sugar (2024)

FAQs

Is dandelion jelly safe to eat? ›

Dandelion tea is also a favorite of those that enjoy tea. You can also make sauces with dandelion greens, such as pesto, syrups, and freezer jelly! The Fresh Dandelion Jelly recipe below is a great spread and can be used like honey, spread over toast, peanut butter sandwiches, and more!

What is dandelion jelly made of? ›

Dandelion Jelly is the First Rite of Spring

But the dandelion jelly was always the first thing we made in spring, because the dandelions are always first! The jelly is made from the bright yellow petals of the flowers, not the greens. It has a beautiful golden color and a delicate honey-like flavor.

What to eat with dandelion jelly? ›

Dandelion Jelly is best enjoyed generously layered over a smear of butter on any breakfast bread, on a holiday charcuterie board, or as simple as a side smattering on a cracker acompanied by some soft brie!

How do you make dandelion tincture? ›

In an air-tight container, pour vodka over the chopped dandelion roots, completely covering them. 3. After a quick stir, seal the container and allow it to sit in a cool dark place for 1 - 3 months, dandelion roots need at least 1 month to infuse into the tincture.

Who should not eat dandelion? ›

Some people may have an allergic reaction from touching dandelion. Others may get mouth sores. If you are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigold, chamomile, yarrow, daisies, or iodine, you should avoid dandelion. In some people, dandelion can cause increased stomach acid and heartburn.

What are the side effects of dandelion jelly? ›

Dandelion might cause allergic reactions, stomach discomfort, diarrhea, or heartburn in some people.

Why is my dandelion jelly cloudy? ›

- Store it in very, very clean jars. Sometimes the jelly stays a little cloudy; this is because of the pollen; this is fine.

Is the white stuff in dandelions edible? ›

The dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is an abundant “weed” plant that also happens to be edible. In fact, nearly the entire plant can be consumed in one way or another. The only inedible part is the stem, which contains a very bitter, milky substance.

What does dandelion jelly taste like? ›

Got a yard full of those pesky little yellow flowers? Send your little dandelion picker out to the yard and make some jelly together. This jelly is amazingly sweet and flavorful. The flavor would best be described as tasting like fresh honey.

What not to mix dandelion with? ›

What other drugs will affect dandelion?
  • lithium;
  • an antibiotic, such as Cipro, Levaquin, Avelox, Noroxin, and others;
  • a blood thinner or medicine to treat or prevent blood clots;
  • a diuretic or "water pill";
  • heart or blood pressure medication; or.
  • a sedative such as Valium.
May 30, 2023

What flavors go well with dandelion? ›

A friend tells me that her Italian grandfather used to go out to the yard and pick all the dandelion leaves to make dinner—the bitter, weedy greens are particularly lovely when paired with a generous glug of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon.

How do you make dandelion taste good? ›

Cooking dandelions eliminates some of the bitterness. First boil the greens for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a pan with hot olive oil and garlic, and sautee for 3-5 minutes. Eat as is or add to other dishes like pasta or scrambled eggs.

Can I eat dandelions from my yard? ›

Not only are dandelion greens safe to eat, but they also provide a range of health benefits. All parts of a dandelion plant are edible, from the top of the yellow flower down to the roots. The green leaves of the dandelion can make a healthy addition to salads, sandwiches, omelets, and more.

How many drops of dandelion tincture should I take? ›

Fresh roots and leaves are often consumed in salads. The German Commission E Monographs recommends 3 to 4 g of the root or 10 to 15 drops of root tincture twice a day, or 4 to 10 g of the leaves or 2 to 5 mL of leaf tincture 3 times a day.

Is any part of a dandelion poisonous? ›

The dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is an abundant “weed” plant that also happens to be edible. In fact, nearly the entire plant can be consumed in one way or another. The only inedible part is the stem, which contains a very bitter, milky substance. Let's start at the top: the flowers.

How can you tell if dandelions are safe to eat? ›

Dandelions are entirely safe to eat, and all parts of the plant, including the roots, leaves, and flowers, are edible.

Can you be allergic to dandelion jelly? ›

Some people are allergic to dandelion; allergic reactions may be more likely in people who are allergic to related plants such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies. Little is known about whether it's safe to use dandelion in amounts greater than those in foods during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

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